I promised to give my son the down payment on a home. When the market was up I felt it was no problem. Well, now it has tanked and my available cash has also. I am wondering if I can borrow against my Roth IRA. I am 70 years old - 70 1/2 actually. However, I converted from a traditional IRA 12/98 and spread the taxes out over four years. Is there any way I can do this? Can I use it as collateral or something? Most of my other investments are in tax deferred accounts and I will be hit with a tremendous tax bill. I am still working but will probably retire next year. Help! Any suggestions you can give me will be appreciated. My son has just gotten his loan approval and now I need to get the downpayment together as I promised him I would after his loan was approved. Will appreciate any ideas as to the best way to do this. Thanks.

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